Rev. Glen Autrey, age 70, of the South Toe Community was called Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer.
A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Ruth Ballew Autrey. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alyssa Kaitlyn Downer; a brother, Ray Autrey; a nephew, Chris Autrey; and brothers-in-law: Vernon Grindstaff and Pete Huffman.
Glen was always a faithful servant of God, having pastored seven churches throughout Yancey and Mitchell Counties. He was a great man of faith who followed his heart in his messages, and won many souls to the Lord. He visited families after work, and was always going to hospitals to check on others. He was very involved in Bible School at his churches, and always included the children and young people.
He loved serving the Lord and his ministry touched so many lives. He was cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing him. Whether standing in a pulpit or lending an ear or a shoulder to lean on, he shared the love of Christ and was always there for others. Known for his outgoing personality, warm, infectious smile, and a great sense of humor, Glen had a gift for making people feel heard and loved.
Outside of being a pastor, he worked in the shrubbery business all his life. He found joy in working with his hands and providing a good life for his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father to his two daughters, a treasured grandfather, a loyal brother, and a wonderful friend to so many. He was the kind of man whose love and generosity knew no bounds, and his family was the cornerstone of his life. Though our hearts are heavy, we can rejoice knowing that he is at peace in his eternal home, welcomed with open arms by the Savior he served so faithfully.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of almost 49 years, Judy Carroll Autrey; two daughters: Lori Robinson (Kevin) and Amy Autrey (Trevor Houston), all of South Toe; eight grandchildren: Zac Robinson (Ashley), Jake Robinson (Abby), Drew Robinson (Maddi), Hannah Grace Downer (Riley Lunsford), Caden Robinson, Cameron Hall, Madison Faith, and Kayla Brooke; three great-grandchildren: Graylynn Faith Robinson, Jeremiah and Sadie Robinson; sisters: Judy Huffman of Seven Mile Ridge, Brenda Grindstaff of Bakersville, and Teresa Fox (Randy) of Blue Rock; and two brothers: Curtis Autrey (Susan) and Richard Autrey, all of Seven Mile Ridge. Numerous nieces and nephews, and other extended family survive as well.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20th, in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Matthew Murphy and Rev. Kenneth Forbes will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. prior to the funeral services. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21st, in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery on Seven Mile Ridge.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
